Conte grateful for fans support

Antonio Conte has praised the Chelsea fans for their support during his side's 3-0 win over West Brom on Monday night.

Conte's future at Stamford Bridge was thrown into doubt following the heavy defeats to Bournemouth and Watford, but there was a marked improvement from the reigning Premier League champions as they saw off the challenge of the Baggies.

Goals either side of half-time from Eden Hazard and Victor Moses' second-half strike secured the three points to climb into the top four ahead of rivals Tottenham.

It has been a difficult few weeks for Conte, who criticised the club's transfer policy, but fans chanted their support for the Italian on Monday night and he was quick to thank them for getting behind him.

"I have to thank the fans. They showed me great support because they are reading speculation and rumours about me. I'm grateful to the fans for supporting me in this way," he told reporters.

"It means that, maybe in our 18 months together, they understand my passion and my will to defend these colours, this shirt, this badge.

"To feel this atmosphere around me is very important. It's very important to feel that people appreciate my work here in Chelsea. For me it's important.

"I repeat: me and the players are trying to do our best to give them the best satisfaction. Sometimes we can do this, sometimes not, but the will is always present."

Chelsea will be looking to build on their defeat of West Brom when they host Hull City in the FA Cup fifth round tie at Stamford Bridge on Friday, February 16 live on the eir Sport pack on BT Sport 2 [kick off 8pm]

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